Honor Deep Run football player who died in tragic accident with memorial 5K

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Lace up your running shoes and raise scholarship funds for a 5K run honoring a Henrico County football player who tragically died in a boating accident five years ago.

On Sunday, April 26, 2020, Deep Run High School rising senior Gabe Henderson and three other people were sailing on Lake Anna in Louisa County when their boat capsized.

While the others were able to make it back to shore, Henderson tragically died. 8News previously spoke to one of those three, CJ Crump, who explained that their boat hit the sand, causing the engine to break off and water to rush in.

We also spoke to one man who tried to save Henderson's life that day. Mike May, who lives by the lake, said he encountered the three boaters when they made it to shore and heard them panicking as they realized Henderson was missing. He went out on the water on his own boat to try and find him, but he could not.

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) later said the accident was the result of "gusty winds, cold water and the failure to utilize a life jacket."

Drawing of Gabe Henderson. (Photo: D. Isaiah Simmons/@ztpgedits)

Henderson, a proud Wildcat with the player number of 10, was deeply loved by his community.

“He [Henderson] taught me almost everything I’ve learned and he’s the reason why I’m here today," Crump said previously. "I don’t know where I would be without him. He’s the best person I’ve ever met in my life. He’s always happy, always pushing everybody to be better, and he’s just the best person in the world.”

FROM 2021: Deep Run football honoring Gabe Henderson who died in last year’s fatal boating accident

A nonprofit founded in his name, the LiveLike10 Foundation, will host its Gabe Henderson Memorial 5K Run/Walk at Deep Run at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28.

All funds raised through the event will go towards scholarships, equipment and camp opportunities for underprivileged youth, as well as other community needs, according to LiveLike10. Organizers said Henderson was known for his generosity and commitment to helping others.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for the 5K, with multiple tier options: "Bronze" at $250, "Silver" at $500 and "Gold" at $1,000. Sponsors will be featured in the event's promotional materials and on its t-shirts, the nonprofit said.

To become a sponsor, or for more information on the event, you can contact Kathy Melvin either by phone at 804-944-7726 or by email at kathymelvin@verizon.net. You can also visit LiveLike10 Foundation's website.

Deep Run High School is located at 4801 Twin Hickory Rd. in Henrico.